Major Google+ App Update For Android and iOS Adds 20+ Features

Google lays it on thick with the latest with its latest Plus update that brings 20+ improvements the mobile app.

Google has been putting in work on its mobile offerings this week. First was the launch of the Google Maps app that was sorely missed on iOS devices. Now now the Google+ team has announced a major update to its mobile apps that includes access to the recently announced Communities feature (similar to Facebook Groups) that lets Plus users discover and share content with users around similar interests.

The Google+ mobile app update for Android also includes full-resolution photo backups (up to 5GB free), in addition to a new Photo Spheres feature that lets users create 360 degree photo panoramas (Android 4.2 and up…if you don't have an Google Nexus device fuggedaboutit). iOS users can use left-right swipe gestures to browse photos, and can add pan-zoom effects to images.

Google has added more Events features like the ability to invite specific users, and see who has opened your invitation. Users can now enjoy lower-bandwidth Hangouts with other users across the globe. Additional features include:

- Subscribe to any circle for notifications

- Support for time zones in Events

- Basic profile editing

- Integration with Google Now to send birthday wishes to friends

- Support for animated GIFs

- Express your mood via animated images in posts

Looking to ditch Facebook, now may be a good time, especially if you're a heavy mobile user.